Two things have been talked about quite a bit as Notre Dame winds down its spring practice. The first topic of daily conversation is just how good the Fighting Irish could be in 2026. Another topic often raised in South Bend is that the practices seem a bit chippier than in years past. For anyone wondering why tensions seem a bit higher than normal, one need only look at a recent play in which starting quarterback CJ Carr called out every defender personally as he jogged into the end zone.
The play in question was an old-school quarterback keeper, but as Carr (who is wearing a red jersey, it should be pointed out) got close to the end zone, he first pointed to a defender approaching him from his left. He then pointed at a defender in the end zone. Both players were trying to reach Carr before he reached the goal line, and neither came close.
After watching that play and the body language of the Notre Dame defenders, it's not hard to see why even head coach Marcus Freeman commented on some fights that broke out in the last few weeks.
“Why is Notre Dame spring so chippy?” as CJ Carr points at multiple defenders while he strolls into the end zone
— Greg Flammang (@greg2126) April 11, 2026
(Via @NDFootball) pic.twitter.com/GQKX9HA7Gi
CJ Carr is helping raise Notre Dame football’s spring intensity with his competitive edge
However, when Freeman did address the fights earlier this spring, he was quick to point out it didn't bother him because he knows that deep down, everyone loves their teammates and the group has come together in a big way.
“It feels like the closest group we've had,” Freeman stated. “They compete against each other. They're tough. They might get into a couple scuffles, but they can continue to move forward and that's a good sign. That you have a close group that's competitive and they're really making each other better.”Â
It's safe to say that none of Notre Dame's defenders appreciated CJ Carr, who cannot get tackled, showboating on his way to the end zone. However, when all is said and done, they all know the taunting is just his competitiveness coming out. Every single one of his teammates want that competiveness come the fall.